I use a Template (.dot file) for apartment leases where I just fill in the blanks (sample file attached if needed).

I have to click on each blank space before typing in it.

I'd love to tab to them instead. Is this possible in Word?

Thanks!

You need to protect the non field portions of the template that should allow you to tab to the fillable fields.

This isn't a template. It's a doc with blanks. I would make it a template and insert fillable fields. You can even create a form with prompts and check boxes or combos etc.

The doc was saved from the template... I forgot that after saving you would not be able to see the fields. Attached is the .dot file.

I protected the form (clicked lock symbol on the Forms Toolbar) but it does not change the fields to tabbable ones. Did you mean a different type of protection?

... and just rooting around, I double clicked a field to check the properties and do not see anything that might control it either.

How to set the "tab order" of a Word form (http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/SetTabOrder.htm)

Thanks Need. Holy smoke that looks like a royal pain in the rump. I'm thinking now I'm better off saving as html and replacing the blanks with form fields. I'll try it.

I'll have to play with this, because I know it can be done. I'll let you know.

That would be wonderful, thanks. The html page is turning out fairly decent... I'd like to compare the two if it's not too complicated in Word.

The html form is working wonderfully... and I like the additional benefit of being able to use it from
Multiple locations: Lease (http://www.werentcolumbus.com/paperwork/lease.html)

Yes, the text is small, but of course I don't need to read it... and it prints out at the same size as the Word document I was using.

Well, the html is a bust. I figured that if I saved the page with blanks filled in, then the blanks would save too... but that's not the case.. . so I'll try the macros thing to make tabbable blanks out of the textfields in the .dot file.